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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in synthesizing information to conduct research into the development and improvement of chemical engineering processes, reactions and materials, and to establish and conduct quality control programs, operating procedures and control strategies to ensure consistency and adherence to standards for raw materials, products and waste products and emissions

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to test chemical processing, and associated plants and equipment, to evaluate chemical process technology and equipment, and to determine production specifications

DIRECTIVE

Interest in supervising technicians, technologists and other engineers; and in overseeing the construction, modification, operation and maintenance of pilot plants, processing units and processing plants

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Chemists, biochemists and materials scientists work in research labs to develop metal and chemical products. These can include drugs, detergents, fertilizers, plastics, fuels and fabrics. Chemical engineers work on teams to develop processes to make these products at a large scale. They adapt the small-scale processes used in the lab to make these products for commercial and industrial use.

When designing plants, they consider cost, safety and the environment. They often work with chemists, financial experts, technologists and other types of engineers. Chemical engineers are often the ones who lead risk assessments of new projects.

Plant operations. Chemical engineers ensure the equipment in their unit works efficiently and safely. They also make sure it produces the desired quantity and quality of product. This includes solving problems, improving processes and modifying equipment. They work with technologists, operators and other engineers. They often report to production managers.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 22, 2018

Chemical engineers who work in production may often come in contact with hazardous machinery and chemicals. They may also have to climb process equipment up to 10 stories high.

Chemical engineers may be on call after hours. The work can be stressful when processes do not work as planned.

Strength Required
Lift up to 20 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 22, 2018

Chemical engineers need to possess:

the ability to analyze and solve problems

knowledge of physics, math and chemistry

the ability to visualize complex processes and equipment

the ability to write and speak clearly.

an interest in and aptitude for management

a willingness to improve their knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis

the ability to work well with people:

from various disciplines and cultures

with different education.

They should enjoy innovating, doing precise work, making decisions and directing the work of others.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 22, 2018

The minimum education requirement for chemical engineers is a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. A graduate degree usually is required for consulting, research or university teaching positions.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

What You Need

Registration as a Professional Engineer in Alberta requires successful completion of:

a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a recognized engineering program and at least 4 years of acceptable work experience under the supervision of a Professional Engineer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

a minimum of 3 acceptable references

successful completion of an approved examination in law, ethics and professionalism.

A new Provisional Member category has been introduced. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact APEGA.

Working in Alberta

Engineers who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if the 2 jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies.

Chemical engineers work in offices, industrial plants, in the field and in labs. They work wherever a process converts raw materials into a product. This includes industries that make pulp and paper, extract oil, refine petroleum and convert energy. It also includes industries that process polymer, extract and refine metals, supply power, process food, and produce adhesives and coatings. Some chemical engineers work for companies that make instruments and controls, produce engineering designs, or do environmental work.

A typical first job after graduation is in process development. In early jobs, junior engineers often work on a range of assignments. Supervised by more senior engineers, they gain experience and learn company procedures. With experience, they may progress to managing production of a single unit or product. From there, they may move on to managing operations of a large industrial complex.

In Alberta, 78% of people employed as chemical engineers work in the following industries:

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)

location in Alberta

employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)

occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)

size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the C034: Chemical Engineers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Mar 22, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.